UPDATE: In late March 2025, Greece announced that it will transition to using a unique, 12-digit personal identification number (PIN) on each national ID card issued to citizens. The PIN will give the holder access to all state transactions, interactions, and benefits. The PIN will be visible on the physical card and digitally embedded in its chip. PIN numbers will be retrieved from a centralized national registry maintained by the General Secretariat for Information Systems and Digital Governance, and the information will also be recorded in the Hellenic Police’s identity database.
ID Tech explains, “The implementation includes a practical transition period, allowing existing ID cards to remain valid until expiration if they were issued before or within 30 days after the forthcoming ministerial decision on technical specifications. The move can be seen as part of a broader trend of digital identity modernization efforts seen across Europe, including the recent launch of the eIDAS-Testbed for validating digital identity solutions.” Keep this new information in mind as you read this article.
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Greece began issuing new ID cards on September 25, 2023. Greek officials tout the biometric national ID card as a key reform toward greater security for both citizens and the country.
Greek Citizen Protection Minister Yiannis Economou said that the new identity card is being issued in order to upgrade security features according to regulations from the European Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Biometric Update reports.
To see the Greek national ID Card up-close, download our new Infographic
The face of new Greek national ID card
The face of the new ID cards contains the following information: the bearer’s photo, ID number*, surname, first name, gender, date of birth, nationality, date of issuance, date of expiry, issuing authority, and signature of the card holder.
*It is not immediately clear whether the new ID cards will have the same number as the old cards.
Security features on the front of the new card include:
- Laser engraved, color photograph of the card holder
- RFID chip that contains unique biometric data of the bearer, including two fingerprints, a photo, and the card access number (CAN)
The holder’s AMKA social security number will not be included on the card.
Reverse side of new Greek national ID card
The reverse side of the card includes the bearer’s father’s name, mother’s name, place of birth, blood type (optional), height (if card holder is over 24 years of age). The addition of the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) brings Greece’s national ID card into compliance with modern EU identity documents.
The new identity cards will be valid for ten years. Previously issued cards will remain valid until 2026; at that point, all legacy ID cards will cease to be valid.
Citizens visit new government platform—and local police—to apply for ID card
In conjunction with the unveiling of the biometric ID card, Greek authorities also introduced a government platform where citizens can apply for ID cards. Citizens will also need to visit local police stations to complete part of the application process.
According to Biometric Update, the new cards will be issued by a total of 367 departments and 60 mobile units.
Sources/References:
Greek Republic Ministry of Public Protection
Biometric Update
D News Greece
ID Tech Wire
Keep Talking Greece
Think Digital
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